Position Summary
Midwest Machine Service Inc. is seeking an experienced CNC Programmer to join our manufacturing team. The CNC Programmer will be responsible for developing, modifying, and optimizing CNC programs for precision-machined components while working closely with machinists and production personnel to ensure jobs are produced safely, efficiently, and to customer specifications.
This is a hands-on programming and manufacturing role. The ideal candidate understands CNC machining beyond simply writing programs and is comfortable taking a job from engineering drawings and customer requirements through programming, setup support, first-piece inspection, troubleshooting, and production.
The successful candidate will have strong knowledge of CNC machining processes, tooling, workholding, feeds and speeds, blueprint interpretation, GD&T, and CNC programming. Experience with Mastercam or comparable CAM software is highly preferred.
Essential Responsibilities
CNC Programming
- Develop, modify, and optimize CNC programs for milling and/or turning operations.
- Create efficient toolpaths using CAM software, preferably Mastercam.
- Review customer drawings, models, specifications, and manufacturing requirements prior to programming.
- Select appropriate cutting tools, tooling strategies, workholding, feeds, and speeds.
- Determine the most efficient machining sequence for each job.
- Make program modifications and adjustments based on first-piece results and production requirements.
- Verify programs through simulation and other available methods before releasing them to production.
- Maintain accurate and organized CNC programs and revisions.
Manufacturing & Setup Support
- Work directly with CNC machinists and operators during job setup and production.
- Assist with machine setup, tooling, workholding, offsets, and first-piece runs when needed.
- Troubleshoot machining issues and make appropriate program or process adjustments.
- Identify opportunities to reduce cycle time, improve tool life, and increase productivity.
- Help establish repeatable and efficient machining processes for recurring jobs.
- Support the transition of new jobs from programming into production.
Quality
- Interpret engineering drawings, dimensions, tolerances, and GD&T requirements.
- Ensure programs and machining processes meet customer specifications.
- Support first-piece inspection and troubleshoot dimensional issues.
- Work with quality personnel and machinists to resolve manufacturing and quality problems.
- Maintain a strong focus on producing accurate, repeatable parts.
Process Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve machining efficiency, quality, and consistency.
- Recommend improvements to tooling, workholding, cutting strategies, and machining processes.
- Evaluate existing programs and processes for opportunities to reduce scrap, setup time, and cycle time.
- Assist in developing standardized programming and machining practices.
- Stay current with CNC programming, tooling, machining technology, and manufacturing best practices.
Additional Responsibilities
- Collaborate with estimating and management to evaluate the manufacturability of new jobs.
- Assist with estimating machining time and determining appropriate manufacturing processes when needed.
- Help troubleshoot difficult or unusual machining applications.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
- Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
- Perform other duties related to CNC programming and manufacturing as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Proven experience as a CNC Programmer in a manufacturing or job-shop environment.
- Strong understanding of CNC machining processes.
- Ability to independently interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications.
- Strong knowledge of machining practices, tooling, feeds and speeds, and workholding.
- Proficiency with CNC programming and/or CAM software.
- Experience with Mastercam or comparable CAM software preferred.
- Ability to troubleshoot machining and programming issues independently.
- Strong understanding of GD&T.
- Ability to use precision measuring instruments and understand inspection requirements.
- Strong mathematical and mechanical aptitude.
- Ability to communicate effectively with machinists, management, quality personnel, and other members of the manufacturing team.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years of CNC programming experience.
- Experience programming both CNC mills and/or CNC lathes.
- Experience in a job-shop or low-to-medium-volume manufacturing environment.
- Experience working with a variety of materials and part geometries.
- Experience with 3D modeling and complex CAM programming.
- CNC setup and machining experience.
- Experience with Mastercam.
- Experience working from customer-supplied CAD models and drawings.
- Experience optimizing existing CNC programs for cycle time and tool life.
- Experience with multi-axis machining is a plus.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Programming expertise Ability to create reliable, efficient CNC programs with minimal supervision.
- Machining knowledge Understanding of how programming decisions affect actual machining and production.
- Blueprint reading Ability to accurately interpret dimensions, tolerances, sections, details, and GD&T.
- Problem solving Ability to diagnose and correct programming and machining problems.
- Attention to detail Ability to identify potential errors before they reach production.
- Mechanical aptitude Strong understanding of machine tools, tooling, materials, and manufacturing processes.
- Communication Ability to work effectively with machinists, supervisors, engineers, and management.
- Organization Ability to manage multiple jobs and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Continuous improvement mindset Willingness to look for better, faster, safer, and more consistent ways to manufacture parts.
Physical Requirements
This position requires the ability to:
- Stand and walk throughout the manufacturing facility for extended periods.
- Frequently use hands and arms to operate equipment, inspect parts, and handle tooling.
- Occasionally lift and move materials, tooling, and parts consistent with the requirements of the position.
- Bend, reach, climb, and work around CNC machinery and other manufacturing equipment.
- Wear required personal protective equipment.
- Safely perform duties in a manufacturing environment.
Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Work Environment
The CNC Programmer will work in an active manufacturing environment with exposure to:
- CNC machining equipment
- Metalworking operations
- Machine oils and coolants
- Noise and vibration
- Metal chips and manufacturing debris
- Industrial equipment and tooling
All employees are expected to follow established safety procedures and maintain a clean and organized work area.
